The central government on Wednesday filed submissions before the Liberhan Commission, enquiring into the Babri Masjid demolition in Ayodhya, saying the Uttar Pradesh Government "was unable" to stop construction work despite its assurances to this effect.

"The government of Uttar Pradesh had repeatedly given assurances on the security of the structure as well on the implementation of court orders. However, the state government was unable to stop the construction work. The central government impressed upon the state government the necessity to stop this construction work in view of the court orders," the Centre said.

The written submission said, "In July 1992, construction by way of 'kar seva' was started on a part of the acquired land despite court orders to the contrary... a situation came about in which the prime minister had to intervene in the matter. Subsequently, the 'kar seva' was called off on July 26, 1992."

The central government said, "It was an act of national shame, what was demolished was not merely an ancient structure but the faith of the minorities in the sense of justice and fair play of the majority. It took their faith in the rule of law and constitutional processes.

"A 500-year-old structure which was defenceless and whose safety was a sacred trust in the hands of the state government was demolished," it said.

Regarding the dispute over land acquisition around the Masjid site, the Centre said, "On one hand, the government was trying to resolve the issue, while Bharatiya Janata Party, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Bajrang Dal and Sangh Parivar were busy in construction of the temple."

"The government of UP had acquired 2.77 acres of land in the Ram Jamnmabhoomi-Babri Masjid complex, showing ostensible purpose of acquisition in the notification as 'Development of tourism and providing amenities to pilgrims'."